Description
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a vibrant and flavorful island-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks and a savory soy-honey-ginger sauce. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, this recipe offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Grains
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
Produce
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Liquids & Condiments
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions, either using stovetop or rice cooker. Once cooked, set it aside to keep warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in the skillet, about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the peppers start to soften.
- Add pineapple and sauce ingredients: Stir in the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the pineapple sauce, heating it through.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, tropical-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier whole grain option, but cook times may vary slightly.
- Fresh pineapple gives better texture and flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work well in a pinch.
- Adjust soy sauce and honey amounts to taste if you prefer a sweeter or saltier sauce.
- For spicier heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and ginger.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Island/Caribbean-Inspired